Fix OneDrive Resetting and Syncing All Files After Mac Restart
Question details
OneDrive loses its folder synchronization and Files On-Demand preferences after restarting the Mac, causing it to download all cloud files locally.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Restarting the Mac computer while using the OneDrive desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive settings reset entirely upon reboot, triggering an automatic mass download of all cloud files instead of retaining the user's Files On-Demand preferences.
Temporarily pause your OneDrive sync or disconnect your Mac from the internet before proceeding to prevent your hard drive from filling up with unnecessary massive file downloads.
Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account
Resetting the connection between your Mac and your Microsoft account is the official recommended method to fix corrupted synchronization profiles.
Often, the local configuration file gets corrupted, preventing OneDrive from saving your preferences across reboots. Unlinking clears these corrupted local credentials.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the upper Mac menu bar, then click the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select 'Preferences'.
Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click the 'Unlink this Mac' button. Confirm your choice when prompted.
The OneDrive setup screen will appear. Sign back in with your Microsoft credentials, follow the prompts, and make sure to explicitly turn on 'Files On-Demand' in the Preferences menu once setup is complete.
Contact Microsoft OneDrive Support
If unlinking, relinking, and reinstalling do not permanently save your settings across reboots, the issue may require a backend fix from Microsoft.
Experience seamless file management with WPS Office
If Microsoft OneDrive synchronization issues are disrupting your workflow on macOS, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with its own reliable built-in cloud storage for a smoother cross-device experience.
- 1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for macOS.
- 2. Install and Sign In: Run the installer, open WPS Office, and create a free account to activate your built-in WPS Cloud storage.
- 3. Save and Sync Automatically: Create your documents and save them directly to WPS Cloud. Your files will remain perfectly synced across your Mac, PC, and mobile devices without arbitrary resets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive suddenly download all my files on Mac?
This happens when the 'Files On-Demand' feature gets disabled or if OneDrive encounters an error reading your preferences file upon startup, causing it to revert to the default behavior of keeping all files available locally.
Does reinstalling OneDrive delete my local files?
No, uninstalling or reinstalling the OneDrive app does not delete the actual files stored on your Mac's hard drive or your cloud storage. It only removes the application files.
How do I manually turn on Files On-Demand on Mac?
Click the OneDrive icon in your menu bar, click the gear icon, select 'Preferences', go to the 'Preferences' or 'Sync and Backup' tab, and check the box or button to enable 'Files On-Demand'.
